恩|おんon[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. nounfavour; favor; obligation; debt of gratitude
   お前まえは恩おんを仇あだで返かえしたな。↗

   You bit the hand that fed you.
2. nounkindness; benevolence

• Synonym厚意こういWrittenWritten word for deep kindness or consideration, as in 「ご厚意に甘える」; it centres on the giver's goodwill and does not necessarily imply a debt.
• Synonym恩恵おんけいNeutralObjective benefits received, as in 「恩恵を受ける」; unlike 「恩」, it lacks the nuance of owing someone a debt of gratitude.
• Synonymご恩ごおんFormalPolite form of 「恩」, used when thanking someone, as in 「ご恩は忘れません」; in feudal times it also meant a lord's reward to a vassal.
• Synonym恩情おんじょうWrittenWritten word for the affection a superior feels toward those below them; little used in modern Japanese.
• Related好意こういNeutralGoodwill or fondness, as in 「好意を寄せる」; it can even mean romantic affection, while 「恩」 is about gratitude felt after receiving a favour.
• Related善意ぜんいNeutralGood intentions for another's sake, the opposite of 「悪意」; in legal contexts it means acting without knowledge of the facts.
• Related恵みめぐみNeutralBlessings from heaven, nature or other people, as in 「自然の恵み」; it does not necessarily call for repayment.
• Related慈悲じひNeutralMercy or compassion, as in 「慈悲深い」; often carries a Buddhist overtone.
• Related温情おんじょうWrittenWarm-hearted, lenient kindness, as in 「温情ある措置」; the stress is on generosity and consideration.
• Related恵沢けいたくWrittenWritten word for blessings or benefits, found mainly in legal texts; not used in everyday speech.
• Related恩徳おんとくWrittenWritten word for grace or virtue received; little used today.
• RelatedおかげNeutralBeing helped or blessed by someone, as in 「おかげさまで」; a common phrase of thanks in greetings.
• Related恩沢おんたくWrittenWritten word for favours or benefits bestowed; very rare in modern usage.
• Related恩寵おんちょうWrittenWritten word for a ruler's favour or divine grace; mostly religious contexts.
• Related懇情こんじょうWrittenWritten word for earnest, warm kindness; mostly in the polite formulas of letters.
• Related仁恕じんじょWrittenWritten word for benevolence and forgiving generosity; very rare today.
• Related仁心じんしんWrittenWritten word for a benevolent, caring heart; little used today.
• Antonym恨みうらみNeutralResentment or a grudge; the opposite of 「恩」 in the pairing of repaying a favour and taking revenge.

Use 「恩」 for a favour received that leaves a debt of gratitude, as in 「恩を返す」. For objective benefits say 「恩恵」, for blessings of nature 「恵み」, to credit help 「おかげ」; the opposite is 「恨み」. 「ご恩」 is the polite form for thanks and 「厚意」 the written word for another's kindness. 「好意」 and 「善意」 are goodwill, 「慈悲」 mercy with Buddhist overtones, 「温情」 warm, considerate kindness. Written and little used today: 「恩情」「恩徳」「恩沢」「仁心」「仁恕」; 「恵沢」 appears in legal texts, 「恩寵」 in religion, 「懇情」 in letters.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. (おん) 他たの人ひとから与あたえられた恵めぐみ。
2. (おん) 封建ほうけん時代じだい、家臣かしんの奉公ほうこうに対たいして主人しゅじんが領地りょうちなどを与あたえて報むくいること。
3. (おん) 給与きゅうよ。手当てあて。